Lake YMCA offers Little Chefs program

Submitted by Lake County Family YMCA

Where can you find an active group of Little Chefs cooking up a storm each week?

The Lake County Family YMCA offers a hands-on learning environment in which children ages 3-5 are taught how to read recipes, measure, mix, cut and blend.

“This program not only teaches life skills and experiences, it provides endless small-motor skills,” Lake County Family YMCA Assistant Director of Child Care Angela Tossman said.

“They learn how to use math, science and sensory skills, plus make healthy choices all mixed into a fun activity. Our class is also an interactive way of exposing our students to foods they may not have eaten before.”

Little Chefs emphasizes a safe and healthy environment in which to cook. The students make chicken salad sandwiches and potato salad, for example.

“I started Little Chefs here at the Y because I love my passion of working with children. I love the excitement of it. It is something unique that other programs don't offer. We talk about family traditions and how parents can get involved. The hands-on experiences are timeless,” Tossman said.

Little Chef Riley explained, “My favorite thing to do is to use the blender.”

The program runs for five weeks and is offered at the Lake County Family YMCA summer, spring, fall and winter sessions. The Little Chefs program is part of the Child Development Center that offers full- and part-week classes available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

The Child Development Center provides fun experiences that inspire each child to grow to his or her fullest potential. For details, contact Tossman at (847) 996-6324.

The Lake County Family YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit that strengthens the community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It was founded in 1892 and is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization.